March a Dangerous Month for Ohio Car Accidents

As Cleveland car accident lawyers, we take pride in not only representing those injured by driver negligence but also in raising traffic safety awareness.  For example, many Ohio drivers do not realize that January and February are the safest driving months of the year in terms of fatalities and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.  Accidents that result in property damage remain high during the first two months on the calendar, but the slow speeds and overall cautiousness of drivers in snowy conditions are two factors that lead to lowered injury and death rates.

But, as we move into March, now is the time for motorists to take special care when driving because a number of factors make this time of year particularly dangerous for Cleveland drivers.

Increased Risky Driving

With snow and ice melting, many careless drivers once again engage in higher risk driving that they would not dare in wintry weather.  Speeding, abrupt lane changes, texting or placing a call while driving—these are just some of the risky behaviors that negligent drivers are more likely to engage in now that the roads are clearing.

Higher Traffic Volume

The higher volume of traffic, too, contributes to the increase in injuries and fatalities.  Many of the property damage accidents that occur in January and February are single vehicle accidents that are only injury-free because of the relatively limited number of other vehicles on the road.  When the roads are more crowded, those single vehicle accidents are more likely to become a multi-vehicle collision.

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic also increase as the weather improves.  This increases the possibility of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrian and bicyclists—accidents that almost certainly will result in personal injury.

Road Conditions

As many Cleveland residents are finding out now, the melting snow and ice can leave dangerous potholes in the surface of the street.  These road hazards do not just wreak havoc on your vehicle.  They also can cause or contribute motor vehicle accidents that injure innocent victims.

If you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle accident, we are here to help.  Contact the Cleveland car accident lawyers at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.